REFLECTIONS
Hank Thompson of rural Ellendale loves community breakfasts. He is pictured right, donating to treasurer Mike Hoffman of the Blooming Prairie Fire Department by buying a ticket. Staff photo by Howard Lestrud
“Who is that guy anyway?”
That refrain can be heard by many when they might see someone who is not too familiar to them.
“Oh, it’s Hank Thompson, everyone’s favorite and loyal community supporter,” people will attest.
Hank, a resident of Summit Township in Steele County, seems to have placed residence in many communities, most in Steele, Freeborn, Dodge and Mower counties.
A former business owner in Geneva, Hank knows what community support means. He travels to no end to see a grandson or granddaughter play their favorite sports.
“I love going to small towns,” he admits.
“Howard,” a voice beckons at the Dodge County Fair.
Who is it? Of course, it’s Hank Thompson munching on a Pronto Pup.
Our telephone rings at 7:30 in the morning.
“Who was that?” Judy asks.
“Oh, it’s just Hank telling me about a scoop he has for our newspaper.”
The scoop was a motorcycle cancer run.
Hank has a special place in his heart for families touched by cancer. He lost his wife to cancer. He and Whitey Hagen started the Geneva Cancer Auctions and saw them bring in thousands of dollars.
A lover of all sports, Hank will go to games that don’t even have one of his grandchildren competing.
His rolling laugh is contagious, and his sparkling eyes tell you that he wants to be your friend.
He loves Bingo and will often play at three or four different locales during the same week.
Hank has built quite a softball legacy, playing throughout the country. He is a member of the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.
First responders have Hank’s benevolent support, meaning he will attend as many Bingo games, fish suppers, or brat feeds as possible.
Want to talk sports, or wish to tell him thank you for caring for all small towns, the person you are looking for is no doubt Hank Thompson.